In exploring the state's annual allocation of $420 million in tax credits to support movie and television production, we started wondering about the state of art and music instruction in public schools.

We hear anecdotes about cuts at elementary, middle and high schools, but details are elusive because there is no source in the state that specifically tracks spending on arts and music.

These programs are caught in a squeeze between shrinking budgets and state performance standards. Language, math and science performance is measured; art and music aren’t. Naturally, districts preserve what is mandated and measured by the state, while art and music are trimmed.

The bottom line? What gets measured gets done.

We wonder if creating future artists and musicians in New York is at risk, and if preserving that and employing art and music teachers is more important than supporting a Hollywood movie star’s ability to make another million in a blockbuster.

So we’re seeking your help in gathering information. We hope it will tell us about what's happening in our community and possibly lead us to write more knowledgeably about the issue.

If you know about art and music cuts at your schools, please take a moment to complete the form below and help us get a clearer picture.